Chandigarh, June 5
Senior Congress leader and Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira has launched a sharp attack on the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government after an accused in the case involving the theft of 328 Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was granted default bail, alleging that the development exposes the government’s incompetence and negligence in handling sacrilege-related cases.
Khaira said that the accused secured default bail after the Punjab Police failed to file a charge sheet within the statutory time limit in FIR No. 168 dated December 7, 2025, registered at Police Station C Division, Amritsar. The case pertains to the theft of 328 Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and other serious offences. The Judicial Magistrate First Class, Amritsar, granted default bail to the accused through an order dated April 16, 2026.
Calling the lapse “shocking,” Khaira said the failure of the investigating agency to complete the legal formalities within the prescribed period raises serious questions about the priorities and efficiency of the state government. “The AAP government repeatedly claims to be committed to securing justice in sacrilege cases, yet it could not ensure the timely filing of a charge sheet in a case involving the theft and alleged sacrilege of 328 Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. As a result, the accused has obtained default bail, undermining public confidence in the justice delivery system,” Khaira said.
The Congress leader also accused the government of adopting double standards in dealing with sensitive issues. He pointed out that while the government allegedly failed to effectively prosecute those accused in serious sacrilege cases, it recently acted swiftly against an individual from Tanda for allegedly disrespecting the AAP election symbol, the broom (Jharu).
“This clearly shows that the Bhagwant Mann government appears more concerned about protecting its political symbol than ensuring justice in cases involving the highest religious sentiments of the Sikh community,” Khaira alleged. Khaira further said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s recent “Shukrana Yatra,” undertaken in connection with the newly enacted anti-sacrilege law, now appears to be a political exercise rather than a genuine effort to deliver justice in sacrilege cases.
“If the government was serious about addressing sacrilege cases, it would have ensured a professional, time-bound investigation and timely filing of the charge sheet in this crucial case, instead of allowing the accused to secure default bail due to official negligence,” he said. Demanding accountability, Khaira urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to explain how such a serious lapse occurred in a case involving the theft of hundreds of Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. He also called for strict action against the officials responsible for failing to file the charge sheet within the prescribed time frame, warning that such negligence could erode public trust in the administration of justice. The issue is expected to trigger fresh political debate in Punjab, particularly over the government’s handling of sacrilege-related investigations and its commitment to ensuring justice in cases concerning religious sentiments.
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